County Executive Steven Neuhaus, Sheriff Carl DuBois, District Attorney David Hoovler and Orange County Stop-DWI Coordinator Craig W. Cherry announced on May 25 that police will crack down on impaired drivers over Memorial Day weekend.
The Stop-DWI program provides funding to police agencies throughout the county to set up police sobriety checkpoints and extra patrols to ensure that roadways are safe during Memorial Day weekend and.
“During Memorial Day weekend we typically see an uptick in drinking and driving accidents,” Neuhaus said. “This Stop-DWI enforcement increases awareness about drinking and driving, and reminds Orange County residents that we have a zero-tolerance policy for anyone driving under the influence.”
Dubois suggested people can designate someone to drive, take a cab, or just stay at home. “People who operate motor vehicles while intoxicated place themselves and all those around them at risk,” he said in a release.
Safeguards
The county asks that residents take these precautions this Memorial Day weekend:
- Designate a sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
- If you do not have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home, call a cab, or have a sober friend or family member pick you up. If need be, just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
- Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while drunk.
- Always buckle up–it is the best defense against a drunk driver.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local police.
“Memorial Day parties and barbecues should be enjoyed with friends and family,” Hoovler said. “If you are caught driving while intoxicated, the price you will pay by facing imprisonment, paying to defend against criminal charges, and potentially knowing that you killed or injured others just to have a good time, is simply not worth it,”
The STOP-DWI crackdown is comprised of several enforcement efforts promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation. These efforts are supported with funding from both the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.
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